How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Renewing your Colorado license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license in three ways: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. By mail takes 7 to 10 business days after you mail your documents. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes but lets you handle everything the same day.

Your renewal window opens 6 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. You can renew during this window without penalty. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a driver's license office — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses.

Colorado licenses are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Check it now to see which renewal method works for your timeline.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is current; it takes 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has expired, you have changed your name, or you need a new photo.
You can renew starting 6 months before your expiration date; renewing after your license expires requires an in-person visit and may involve additional fees.
Colorado offers both the standard Real ID-compliant license and the non-compliant version; choose which one you want when you renew.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page at dor.colorado.gov. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since it was issued, and your address on file is still correct. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Once you complete the online form, you will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Colorado charges $28 for a standard 5-year license and $32 for a Real ID-compliant license. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal if your information has not changed

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You can use it only if your license is not expired, your name has not changed, and your address on file is current.

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 or visiting a driver's license office in person to pick one up. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $28 (standard license) or $32 (Real ID license), and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the department receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Keep your current license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during the renewal process.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, you have changed your name, you want a new photo, or you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license. Visit any Colorado driver's license office with your current license and proof of your current address.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You will pay $28 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID license. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Wait times vary by location; check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

Real ID versus standard Colorado license

Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: the standard license and the Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. The standard license does not have the star and does not meet these federal requirements.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted document. If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need to upgrade your license.

To get a Real ID license, you must provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or W-2 for your Social Security number, and a utility bill or lease for residency. The Real ID license costs $4 more than the standard license ($32 instead of $28) and is valid for 5 years.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of identity.

Renewing an expired license costs the same as a regular renewal ($28 or $32 depending on the type), but you may face a late fee if your license has been expired for a long time. Call the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 to ask about any additional fees before you visit the office.

You can legally drive only on a valid license. If your license is expired, you should not drive until you have renewed it. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you may be cited.

Finding a Colorado driver's license office and checking wait times

Colorado has driver's license offices in most counties. Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and use the office locator tool to find the office nearest you. The tool shows office hours, phone numbers, and current wait times.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday hours; check your local office's schedule before you visit. Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and the office location. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means shorter waits.

You do not need an appointment at most Colorado driver's license offices. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. A few offices do take appointments; check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of identity. You may owe a late fee; call the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 to ask what you owe before you visit.

What if I changed my name since my license was issued?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically from Colorado?

As of May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted document to board a domestic flight. If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need to upgrade your driver's license.

What if the address on my Colorado license is outdated?

If you are renewing online or by mail and your address has changed, you must renew in person instead. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) to the driver's license office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.